2024 Hampton Roads HS Girls Volleyball Preview

 Five Things to Watch For

Magula Eyes 500th Win For Defending Champion Patriots

Getting ready to begin her 29th season of coaching, First Colonial’s Edie Magula, coach of the defending Class 5 champions, brings a career record of 478-190 (.716) into the season. If her team can match last year’s 27 wins, the Patriot legend will surpass the 500-win plateau. As her team was 16-0 in the Beach District last season, and 21-1 for the regular season, the odds of a celebratory win at some point in time around Halloween looks possible.

New Kids Will Earn 5A All-Region

The entire group of first team selections in Region 5A last year were seniors, setting up the stage for a brand-new lineup this year. The three most likely candidates were second teamers last year – Lucille Tignor of Cox, Mia Goode from Hickory, and junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva from Ocean Lakes.

Grafton Reloads With Loss of Keeter; York Responds with New Coach

The Clippers graduated Class 3 All-Stater Alexis Keeter to graduation but return eight starters to a squad that has reached a state title game for seven consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Bay Rivers District rival York, just two years removed from a 26-3 record and Class 3 state title, dropped to 11-11 last season, but hope to fare better under new coach Bill Bowman. Previously, Bowman served for 19 years as the head coach of Warwick.

Three-peat in D3 for StoneBridge?

StoneBridge, who led all Hampton Roads teams with 35 wins last season, aims to earn its third straight VISAA Division 3 state championship this fall. The Cavaliers opened their season in style, defeating Deep Creek 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-21) to kick off the official volleyball season for the region. Nattie Plumlee scooped 15 digs, Camryn Weatherford had 30 assists, Kailey Curry had nine kills and Ava Baker added eight kills. 

Will the Student Top the Teacher Again?

When Lorenzo Puentes played his high school volleyball at Woodside, he was coached by Greg Maynard, who would later become his mentor as Puentes entered the coaching ranks. Ironically, Maynard’s standout player would take over the program at Menchville, not just a competitor from the same city and district, but the Monarchs chief rival. Last year, the two squared off as coaches twice in the regular season (a split) before Menchville toppled the Wolverines 3-1 to win the Region 5B final. Maynard and his Woodside team will be seeking revenge this season.

Ranking/Team/2023 Record

1. First Colonial (27-1) – Despite losing the 757Teamz Player of the Year Kayla Foley, the Patriots are well stocked this season and prepared for another state title run. Magula returns 11 players, led by a quartet of seniors who have played all four years. Iona commit Gabby Taylor heads the list. All-Region Honorable Mention Helen Murray moves to the libero position, and Rachael Zimmer transfers to Murray’s middle hitter position. Kaiyah Hines will be the team’s main setter and junior Teagan Emdadi returns to her starting outside hitter spot after missing the last two months of last season with an injury.

2. Grafton (25-5) – The Clippers aim for their eighth consecutive state championship appearance with a host of starters from last year’s Bay Rivers leading squad. First team All-State Ally Burke (444 digs, 40 aces) enters her junior year back at the libero position. Seniors Alana Washington (middle hitter), Kaylie Klemm (setter), Ellie Duer and Tiffany O’Connell (outside hitters) should ably fill the gap caused by Alexis Keeter’s graduation and departure to Florida Gulf Coast University after winning the Virginia Gatorade State Player of the Year honor in January. Sophomore Ana Brackens looks to follow up a successful freshman campaign, and fellow middle hitter, junior McKenzie Smith, will be a force for the Grafton attack.

3. Stone Bridge (35-1) – The premier private school program from last season also reloads for 2024. The Plumlee sisters, Nattie and Libbie, will spark the Cavs. Nattie, a first-team All-State heads a strong back row attack, while Libbie transitions to outside hitter. Ava Baker has “a huge arm and impressive vertical (leap),” according to coach Eric Plumlee. Senior Camryn Weatherford will run the offense. “She’s quick and has great hands,” said Plumlee. Mikayla Telfer has developed into “an incredible six-rotation outside with a powerful swing and unbelievable defensive play.” Kailey Curry, a 5-10 middle hitter, is an effective hitter with strong blocking ability.

4. Kellam (21-6) – First Colonial knocked the Knights out of contention last season, but a youth movement could be beneficial for Kellam as soon as this season. They will still rely on four seniors – Sadie Mixer (5-11, outside hitter), Sydney Stone (5-6, defensive specialist, libero), Leilah Beasley (5-7, opposite hitter), and Audriana Neil (5-11, middle hitter).

5. Jamestown (23-4) – Tom Stephenson is back as the Eagles coach after a two-year hiatus. Although the team graduated nine players, Stephenson feels that some talented young players are ready to step in. They will join a nucleus of three seniors. Madison Rogers (139 kills, 42 blocks in 2023), who has committed to CNU, had a major knee injury in February but has successfully rehabilitated. Allison Trogdon (5-10, MH/OPP) and Cayleigh White (5-8, OH) will aid in Jamestown’s attempt to dethrone Grafton at the top of the Bay Rivers standings.

6. Woodside (21-3) – The Wolverines will be one of two main contenders for the Peninsula District crown. Junior Anna Moody (279 assists, 187 digs, 140 kills, 90 aces) is a strong all-around player, and sophomore Maddie Jango (255 digs, 86 aces, 42 assists) returns to her libero position.

7. Maury (15-3) – Lily Bockheim, a first team All-Region 5B selection and Eastern District Player of the Year, will key the Commodores from the right side and setter positions. Senior teammates Madison Watts (OH) and Kathleen Searing (Libero) are the other All-District veterans. Freshman Sadie Stafford could be the top newcomer in Hampton Roads and is coming off a second-place national finish in the 14U Open Division of USAV Beach Nationals. According to Coach Andrea Everett, “Watts, Bockheim, and Stafford have created the opportunity for the Commodores to run a faster offense.”

8. Menchville (21-5) – 2023 Peninsula District Player of the Year Lillian Abbitt will lead the Monarchs from her outside hitter spot. Other key cogs in the lineup include Kamryn Keasey (6-0, M/RS) and junior Caroline Clements (5-8, OH).

9. Cox (17-7) – The Falcons sported a 14-2 record in the Beach District last season, but still finished third. Can they move up? 

10. Hickory (17-7) – Senior Mia Goode is a six-rotation player, and she will be assisted by fellow Hawks Milan Curl and Mackenzie Hunter. Coach Gus Quinones expects his team to combine good defense with his offensive weapons to fuel a deep postseason run.

11. Greenbrier Christian Academy (27-6) – the chief rival of StoneBridge for the Metro Conference title.

12. Great Bridge (19-5) – The entire starting lineup from last year graduated, so Coach Julie Bruno will build anew. Hailey Hossfield (5-7, Jr.) is “an incredible libero” according to Bruno. Junior Katarina Vardeman is “a fantastic hitter,” and sophomore Marcy Stambaugh is a great all-around player, who “will only get better.”

13. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (21-5) – Potentially the top team in the TCIS.

14. Ocean Lakes (12-7) – Junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva may commit to a Division I school this year., and coach Christina Barnhart sees this as her “breakout” season Seniors Bella Grundy and Kayla Bennett top a strong group of veterans

15. Granby (13-6) – The Comets, led by coach Olivia Casey, will be fueled by a “big junior class with a lot of solid skills.” Cheyenne Avery (OH) and Amaiya Slaats (RS/L) will lead this group, while senior middle blocker Vienne August serves as the team captain. Sophomores Corine August (MB) and Alyssa Thornton (S) could see big production numbers.

Ones to Watch – Bruton (19-7), Bethel (14-6), Norfolk Christian (20-7), Peninsula Catholic (16-6), Grassfield (13-9).

2024 Hampton Roads HS Boys Volleyball Preview

 
Five Things to Watch For

Trio of All-Stars are Back 

Kellam’s Joel Eanes, Granby’s AJ Angeles, and junior Wyatt Strawbridge lead the group of returning All-Tidewater team members from last season, and the three make up quite a group picture. Eanes, the dominating opposite hitter for the Knights, racked up 279 kills last season – a remarkable total, but one to be expected by the Grand Canyon University commit, who possibly sees over every volleyball (and most basketball) players) in Hampton Roads. How tall is he? Eanes, who competed with the U.S. Under 19 national team this summer, stands 6-foot-9, and has added throwing the shotput and discus, as well as high jumping, to his athletic repertoire.

On the other end, Strawbridge is an even six feet tall, while Angeles, the Comet setter, stands 5-foot-8.

Hampton Roads Teams Dominate Virginia

Although volleyball is not played in every statewide school system, it stands without question that the Hampton Roads region is a hotbed for talent within the state. Ten of the top 25 Virginia teams from the final MaxPreps.com volleyball rankings of 2023 call the Seven Cities region home. They include Kempsville (#5), Ocean Lakes (#7), Cape Henry Collegiate (#10), Granby (#11), Kellam (#12), First Colonial (#14), Hickory (#15), Maury (#18), Indian River (#23), and Princess Anne (#25).

Zuidema Returns to Cox

Over a ten-year period spanning from 2006-2015, Jason Zuidema was one of the most successful coaches on the Southside, with his Falcons winning three state titles and compiling a record of 246-35. The team regressed over a nine-year period after his departure, to the point of finishing 5-16 last season. Dwindling numbers and injuries were seen as the main reasons for the downslide. Hearing the call of duty. Zuidema, a Cox alum, is back at the helm. “Despite the program having wavered over the last few seasons, the boys are determined to put Cox back on the map,” said Zuidema. Seniors Brady Spicer, Zach Hamilton, Thomas Moore, and Joseph Maleski are tasked with keying the rebound.

Class 5 against Class 6

With the relatively low (less than 100) number of volleyball teams in the state, it is tough for certain regions to play a full post-season bracket. This can lead to some unfortunate circumstances. For example, in Region 5A, Ocean Lakes upended Kempsville to win the crown, while Granby captured the 5B championship. However, both teams fell in the state tournament, as Classes 5 and 6 have combined for one bracket. It would be interesting to see how the two teams would have fared against solely Class 5 competition. Perhaps the continued growth of Loudoun County high schools will allow for more higher state class playoff brackets in the near future.

Pre-season Tournament

The season was preceded by a Jamboree which mostly included Region 5A teams from the Beach and Southeastern Districts. Hosted by Great Bridge and their coach Bryan Stambaugh, the event featured eight teams, which included the winner, Beach Breakers, a team of home-schooled players. Stambaugh, who got the idea from a similar Denbigh Jamboree put together five years ago by their coach John Amaral, said that he and other coaches used the opportunity to either go full force or work through different lineups in the hope of finding the starting six players who will begin official play today.

Ranking/Team/2023 Record

1. Kellam (17-8) – The Knights lost only one starter from last year’s squad, prompting coach Aaron Campbell to predict that his team will have “its most promising year yet.”. Along with Eanes, Kellam is led by the other tri-captains, senior opposite hitters Austin Makovec (74 blocks) and 6’2” Bennett Barco (66 blocks). Junior setter Bennett Pyka led the team with 733 assists in 2023, while his brother Nathan joins seniors Sora Perry and 6’5” Michael Blanchard as middle blockers. Sophomore Dylan Calkins (126 digs) is an outside hitter to keep on the radar.

2. Kempsville (23-4) – The Chiefs score as a top team among the preview forms cast by most of their Beach and Southeastern District peers.

3. Granby (23-3) – Coach Michelle Neaves declared that her team is “hungry for another state run.” Considering that it took a grueling five-set loss to Class 6 Deep Run to knock the Comets out of the state tournament last year, the statement is fitting. Joining Angeles this year will be senior Percy Gordon (68 kills), junior outside hitter Alijah Lamp (47 kills) and Gabe Sol, an All-Region middle blocker. The foursome will bolster the Granby attack and Davis Mendoza will serve as the squad’s primary libero.

4. Ocean Lakes (22-6) – According to coach Evan Ballenger, only two returning players saw first team reps with last year’s Region 5A championship team. But a new crew will see plenty of action this year, starting with senior captain and libero Gavin Juhas. Fellow seniors Layne Kemp (M) and Anthony Liberator (OH) will be key performers, along with sophomore setter Daniel Copen. Keep an eye on Turner Kuhle, who has already shown his prowess on the baseball field for the Dolphins.

5. Cape Henry Collegiate (19-6) – The reigning TCIS champion should retain its spot as the top local private school team.

6. Gloucester (20-2) – Undefeated in the Peninsula District last season (18-0), the Dukes hope to ride another wave to PD perfection.

7. First Colonial (16-7) – Senior setter Sam Brown (752 assists, 58 kills, 36 blocks, 34 aces in 2023) broke his leg before the first game of last year’s playoffs, and his return will help the Patriots greatly. Other senior returners include libero Nate Duff (362 digs), and Seth Williams (76 kills, 41 blocks). The veteran squad also will see production from Bo Sawyer, Lucas Hills, and incoming sophomore transfer Zia Peterson.

8. Hickory (19-7) – First year head coach Carmen Coston looks forward to welcoming a “great group of returners,” from last season’s Southeastern District champion, including senior middle blocker Will Katchmark, to join junior outside hitters Carson Tortine and Nolan Kennedy. Setter Jason Leary is the Hawks other junior standout. 

9. Maury (16-6) – The Commodores will be another strong contender for the Eastern District championship with seniors Zach Mendoza (290 digs, 30 assists) at libero and Jonas Stafford (397 assists) as the primary setter.

10. Indian River (13-8) – The Braves look to improve on last season’s 10-3 record in the Southeastern, good for third. Their 4-4 record in the preseason Jamboree may be misleading.

11. Princess Anne (13-10) – The Cavaliers will be tough with Maclej Majchercyzyk back at his outside hitter position. Coach Jeff Kinser calls the senior, “one of the best athletes I have been around.” Six-foot-five Walt Clevenger will form the other half of one of the Beach District’s most powerful hitting duos.

12. Kings Fork (18-6) – the Southeastern runner-up from last year will be a strong challenger to Hickory and Indian River.

13. Menchville (15-5) – Another potential Peninsula District winner.

14. Great Bridge (15-9) – The senior-laden roster goes eight deep among their 12th grade lineup, with Johnathan Badowski (RS) and outside hitters Caden Wolfe and Jovan Lapera keeping the Wildcats among the Southeastern Region’s top three teams.

15. Salem (11-9) – The Sun Devils will aim to aspire to the upper ranks of the Beach District contenders.

 

Others to Watch – Warwick (16-6), Grassfield (10-8), Churchland (12-8), Kecoughtan (12-8), Heritage (12-12).

CNU Realigns Athletic Department

(From CNU Athletics)

NEWPORT NEWS — Christopher Newport University Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin has announced staff changes for the Captains’ administrative team including promotions for Danny Garay, Marycruz Garcia-Reyes, Rob Silsbee, and Bobby Woollum. Additionally, newcomer Jacob Halloway will assume the role of Manager of Video Production for Christopher Newport Athletics.

“Christopher Newport and our student-athletes benefit immensely from the talent and expertise of our staff,” said McMullin. “As our department continues to evolve, I am thrilled that we have professionals, with years of experience, prepared to provide the leadership needed for the day-to-day needs of our students, coaches, and staff. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Jacob to the CNU family to add his creativity to our video program.”

Garay has been named the Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations after serving as the Manager of Athletic Facilities and Game Day Operations for the last eight years. He has been a member of the department’s administrative team and managed all aspects of CNU’s facilities, helping transform them into some of the finest in Division III. A 2006 graduate of CNU, Garay has overseen the game day operations of several sports, scheduling of outdoor facilities, and management for all of CNU’s playing fields.

Garcia-Reyes has been promoted to the position of Associate Athletic Trainer. First starting her tenure as a graduate assistant in 2018, she was hired as an Assistant Athletic Trainer in 2021 and has served in that role since. After earning her undergraduate degree at George Mason University, Garcia-Reyes earned her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Old Dominion University and is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), a Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT) in Virginia, and a member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association.

Silsbee has accepted the position of Assistant Director of Athletics for Strategic Communication. The CNU alum has served as Director of Sports Information since 2010 and has been a member of the College Sports Communicators and Virginia Sports Information Directors since 2006. A 2005 graduate of Christopher Newport, Silsbee has served as Vice President of VaSID and coordinator of several All-State teams during his tenure while also serving as the Media Coordinator for numerous NCAA Tournament events hosted by Christopher Newport.

Woollum will take on the role of Assistant Director of Athletics for Administration. A member of the Captains administrative team since 2020, Woollum brought decades of experience working in and around college athletics to Christopher Newport. Since taking his post, Woollum has managed the NCAA Eligibility and Compliance needs for the department while also helping coordinate NCAA Tournament events including the 2023 Division III Field Hockey National Championship.

Finally, McMullin has announced the addition of Jacob Halloway to the athletic department staff. A graduate of Longwood University, Halloway has served as the Coordinator of Broadcast Operations for the Lancers since 2023 and a member of the ESPN+ Crew throughout his tenure with the Longwood department of athletics. His experience directing live broadcasts, creating content for social media, and working with all facets of sport production will help improve and enhance the video content distributed by Christopher Newport Athletics. Halloway will coordinate the department’s production of video content to include all live-streamed events alongside all feature content distributed on CNUsports.com and the @CNUathletics social media channels.